I got a digital galley copy of this book via NetGalley.

Here is what I liked about the book:

- I totally agree with the most fundamental reason that the authors cite about women's struggles in the corporate world starting at the first promotions given out. If we are able to fix that, there will be more and more women in leadership roles available to choose from for subsequent growth and we can address this issue systemically.
- I also like the ideas that they propose for women around optimizing for experiences, being open to take unconventional career paths and betting on themselves.
- I also like the idea of being prepared for the inevitable (bias & pregnancy). This puts the women in charge rather than reacting to situations.

The good part of the book is the stories of the women that they have peppered across the book. These stories make the challenges real for the readers.

Here is what I think could have been better:

- Sometimes the narrative after the stories feel repetitive. So, a bit more editing and removing the parts that are repetitive would have made the book that much more easier to read.

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I found this book fascinating. It challenges the idea that the glass ceiling is the biggest issue when, in reality, the real challenge is broken ladder rungs - something I hadn’t considered before.

The book lays out the challenges women face at work, backed by research, and offers practical strategies to overcome them. Some are so simple yet impactful that they can be actioned right away.

I also appreciated that it wasn’t just focused on corporate settings but included insights relevant to frontline roles too.

The discussions on AI and its impact on future workforce roles were especially interesting, as was the focus on managing both physical and financial health when planning your career. A thought-provoking and practical read!.

Thanks NatGalley for the ARC.

This is very corporate-focused. Not really applicable or useful for those of us who aren't working 9-5 white collar jobs.

I appreciate how the book offers a wealth of concrete and actionable advice for women facing the challenges of the 'broken rung' in organizations. It not only explains the reasons behind these issues but also outlines how to develop the necessary experience capital for women to succeed. Although the book is tailored to women's situations, men who read it carefully can gain valuable insights and apply much of the advice. Additionally, the book strikes a perfect balance between highlighting the problems and providing solutions.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this comprehensive summary that women face in the workplace, with the title referring to the struggles faced even prior to the glass ceiling. Although this book was written from the perspective of women, I think there were lots of interesting tidbits of information that are useful to everyone.

There is lots to take away as a people manager on how to be more supportive of female employees as they progress through their career - I especially appreciated the specific examples provided in each section.